Scotland, self catering holiday accommodation, West Cottage

West Cottage,
near Lilliesleaf,
Roxburghshire

Sleeps 3

West Cottage is a delightful 'roses around the door' modernised semi-detached old stone cottage in a tiny hamlet of houses hidden away between the villages of Lilliesleaf and Midlem, near to Melrose, in the lovely Scottish Border Country. Standing on a quiet and private farm road, it has an attractive enclosed garden (furniture) to the side and inside it is a homely and very comfortable little house, with an open fire in the sitting room to supplement the electric heating. There is a spacious dining kitchen and two bedrooms.

40 easy miles south of Edinburgh and not far from either Hawick, Selkirk or Jedburgh, it is well placed for guests to explore all of the lovely surrounding countryside, from the sandy beaches of the Northumberland and Berwickshire coasts to the sheep-dotted green hills and valleys of the central Borders area.

This is lovely walking country, from riverside and woodland strolls to the Southern Upland and St Cuthbert's Ways, both of which may be joined at nearby Melrose. The quiet country roads provide excellent scope for cyclists. (For those looking for greater challenges, the world-class hill and forest mountain-biking trails at Innerleithen and Cardrona are accessible within a half-hour drive). It is prime horse country as well, with the nearest riding stables are at Ashkirk (5m) where there is also a golf course, one of very many good courses int he surrounding area.

The Borders towns all have their own particular charm, as well as interesting shops, good eating places, leisure centres and the woollen and cashmere outlets for which the region is rightly famous. There is also a rich selection of country houses, castles, towers, ruined abbeys and beautiful gardens to be visited.

Heating is by electricity, convector heaters and open-fire (starter pack included). Bed-linen and towels can be hired. Pets are welcome.